Hamilton to Peter’s Hill to Gerkie Gap (Walks 21 & 22)
2024-09-21 - 2024-09-22
NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office (once
bookings have opened) to register for that day’s walk. The on-line registration
system will only allow you to register for both days.

Saturdays Walk Details: Hamilton to Peters Hill 16km

This section of the Trail follows backroads and road reserves of open scrubland, before a short up Peters Hill, where walkers are rewarded with pretty vistas over the farmlands of the lower Mid North

Sundays Walk Details: Peters Hill to Gerkie Gap 18km

A pleasant walk along back roads through undulating farmland to the southern end of Tothill Range, taking in the town of Marrabel and its memorial to the famous buckjumper ‘Curio’.

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Lobethal Bushland
2024-09-28
Pleasant circular walk in Lobethal Bushland Park just outside of Lobethal. The trails in the park were through heritage-listed bushland but the park was burnt out in the December 2019 Adelaide Hills bushfire. Through the care of passionate volunteers, the park has been remarked and has experienced incredible regrowth. There are also exciting signs that kangaroos, echidnas and bird life have returned. We will walk through trails which had been burnt but are now almost overgrown from regrowth on the trees, bushes and undergrowth. Slopes are mostly gradual. A good walk for new walkers and families, with toilets and a picnic/bbq area at walk completion.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Dutchmans Stern to Eyre Depot & Quorn to Dutchmans Stern
2024-09-28 - 2024-09-29
Saturday Walk 49: Dutchman’s Stern to Eyre Depot 21km – This is a deceptively tough walk with a bit of everything – undulating fire tracks with spectacular views, a rocky gorge and a gibber strewn floodplain.

Sunday Walk 48: Quorn to Dutchman’s Stern 16km – This section of the trail passes the outskirts of Quorn before climbing gradually towards The Dutchmans Stern. Taking a detour off of the Heysen Trail to walk the 6 km Dutchmans Stern loop will provide a memorable highlight.

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

End to End 18 Tugwell Road to Inman valley (Walk 6)
2024-09-29
An undulating walk with steep descent into creek crossing.

This section follows country roads, farm paddock fence lines, forest trails and road reserves. Native orchids, grass trees, abundant birdlife and classic Fleurieu farmland views make this a pleasant walk to remember.

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Cleland to Montacute Heights - EE17
2024-09-29
This is a spectacular section of the Heysen trail as it passes through the native bushland of Cleland National Park, Horsnell Gully and Morialta Conservation Parksand along roadsides, providing frequent vistas over Adelaide and the Hills.

Many ascents and steep descents can be expected, and the walk length is 26km’s.

This is considered quite a demanding walk.

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Gandy's Gully
2024-09-29
foothills walk with steep up and downs on the edge of Slapes Gully. Some rough, made tracks. one or two downs where you can practice your pole techniques.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Glenthorne and surrounds
2024-09-29
Exploring the wider sections of Glenthorne National Park including O’Halloran Hill and Hessing Crescent Reserves crossing under the Southern Expressway x3 . Distance approx 18 km Total elevation gain 330 mt. Arrive 0820 for 0830 start

ROADWORKS MAJORS ROAD SUN 29 SEPT
Due to Majors Rd onramp construction there will be a closure of a section of Majors Road from Saturday 28 September to Sunday 13 October.

This will affect the access to the meeting point at the Sam Willoughby BMX Park on Majors Road particularly walkers travelling from the eastern end of Majors Road ie from South Road.
If you are travelling from the northern suburbs on South Road or Southern Expressway you will need to exit at Seacombe Road, travel west on Seacombe Road , south on Brighton/Ocean Boulevard, turn off(East) at Majors Road. This will take 15 mins + expect delays.

Please allow extra travelling time to negotiate any diversions in your route to arrive by 0820.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Gerkie Gap to Webb Gap to Burra Road (Walks 23&24)
2024-10-05 - 2024-10-06
NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office (once
bookings have opened) to register for that day’s walk. The on-line registration
system will only allow you to register for both days.”
Special Note: These walks are being done out of order

Saturdays Walk Details: Webb Gap to Burra Road – 23km

The trail continues along the Tothill Range, providing expansive views over the surrounding farmland and Apoinga Lagoon. A sharp climb after Huppatz Hut provides walkers with a taste of things to come in future walks.

Sunday’s Walk Details:

Gerkie Gap-Webb Gap – 18km

After a climb through Gerkie Gap to the eastern side, this hugs the Tothill Ranges, before climbing back over the range, just north of Smith Hill, where we continue the journey northward through open scrubland along the western flank of the range.

The Tothills provide the largest remaining section of remnant scrub in the area and are one of the delights of the Mid-North providing pleasant vistas over the surrounding farmland, with constant reminders of 19th century optimism and 21st century technology.

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Mt Crawford Forest Reserve
2024-10-06
Come along and walk the Tower Hill Track via Warren Reservoir in the Mt Crawford Forest Reserve. Following bush / forest back roads, you will be rewarded with stunning scenery and views over the area and maybe even an encounter with the local wildlife.

As this is an undulating walk (i.e. up and downs), some bushwalking experience and basic fitness is recommended.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Belair Nature walk
2024-10-12 08:30 - 12:00 (Australia/Adelaide)
A leisurely walk (Trail Ramble) around Belair National Park, looking at the wildlife and spring flowers and hopefully some late native orchids.

Depending on the extent of the floral display we will have breaks to view them and take photos.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Montacute Heights to Cudlee Creek - EE17
2024-10-13
After an initial road walk, the trail crosses Montacute Rd and makes a very long steep descent to Sixth Creek before a long climb out through Montacute Conservation Park and Mt Crawford Forest Reserve. A pleasant walk past the private gardens along Holland Creek Road completes the section.

The section between the Montacute Conservation Park and Snake Gully Road (Cudlee Creek) was devastated in the Dec. 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfire. Fortunately the section was reopened to walkers in April 2021.

Forestry SA advised that as of 17th May 2021, Grandpas Camp has been fully assessed and it is considered safe for use.

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Inman Valley to Myponga (Walk 7)
2024-10-13
A very undulating walk. Majestic gums line roadsides leading to testing climb up Sugarloaf Hill where walkers are rewarded with spectacular rural views.

The trail then leads into Myponga Conservation Park for more views and some more testing undulations. Pretty farmland and quiet country roads complete this section.

There is a 1km walk to the cars after leaving the trail on Yulte Road.

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

FOHT Council Meeting
2024-10-16 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-11-20 17:30 - 19:30
Friends of Heysen Trail Council Meeting
The Friends encourages engagement and interaction across our membership/volunteers. Committees and Members are welcome to attend – if interested please register so our Secretary is aware to expect extra people.

Cleland Loop
2024-10-19
So, we are now at the end of the Winter walking season. Your trail hardened and as fit as you have been all year. Let’s finish this season with a bang.

We will meet at Measday’s Lookout, and then make our way down to the valley floor. And then it is straight into the ascending till we are just short of the summit.

And then we will go back down.

And when we are neither up nor down,

We will turn around,

And head for the summit again.

But not all the way.

Expect 22k and enough vertical metres climbed to ensure that you sleep well that night. Pace will be moderate except on the steeper climbs (of which there are several) when you will walk at your own pace. We will wait for you.

You will finish the walk tired but exhilarated. So much so that you will want to rush home to book onto my next Cleland adventure on the following weekend.

Contact me on 0412228631 for further information, or if you are running late on the day.

Cheers.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Cleland CP
2024-10-20
This 14.3km trail will take us through the predominantly stringybark forest woodland with moderately difficult ascends and descends. The trail will take approximately 4-1/2 hrs to complete. We may spot some blue wrens, grey fantails, and kangaroos and echidnas.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Cleland
2024-10-26
After meeting at Measday’s Lookout, we will head down to, and then along Waterfall Gully Drive. A climb up Pengana to find the Stueb Track to the summit. And then it’s all downhill and back to the cars.

Expect no more than 15k and just the one hill of consequence.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Sturt Gorge
2024-10-27
Linear walk using public train services to walk from the upper reaches of Sturt Gorge, down river.
We will catch a train at Goodwood. Alight at Coromandel Valley and walk into the gorge following the river trail to Flinders University where we will catch a train back to Goodwood.
This is a rugged walk with multiple river crossings which can be wet if the river is high. Walking poles are very useful for the downhill sections and the crossings. Not a long walk, but technically challenging with potential river crossings

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Parklands Of Adelaide (morn)
2024-11-02
Do you want to get that Christmas feeling? Well ,This fantastic almost flat,14+k trail starter has lots of variety.
This Park Land Loop Route, is a series of connected walking and cycling trails which loop the city of Adelaide .
There are playgrounds, parks, lakes, picnic areas, also walking through the West tc Cemetery, plus there are kiosks along the route.

As a bonus, the annual Christmas pageant, will be getting organised as we walk along South Tce, Giving a great opportunity to see the floats, bands, clowns, etc close up and fresh).

By us using the southern Adelaide circuit, and Torrens River to link up it is approximately 14+klm.
( Note the city centre, will be very busy)
We will stop at lovely coffee shop half way though our walk.
We can shorten our walk back to our cars by tram at the railway station or do the14k via the River Torrens.

At the end of our walk please join us for a social coffee and chat.
The question asks re a meal, but the intention is a social coffee.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Sturt Gorge Loop ( morning)
2024-11-05
Welcome to the Summer Season.

After a short walk along the Sturt River Linear Trail, we move onto trails in the Gorge. We stay on the high side of the valley for the rest of the walk, until we cross back onto the Linear Trail and return to our cars.

Expect a walk around 11.5k with few challenges.

We finish opposite the Bake Bakery, so consider joining me for a coffee and perhaps a no calorie cake.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Three Bridges Walk Port Adelaide
2024-11-06 18:00 - 20:00
Walk the three bridges of Port Adelaide – the old, the new and the ugly!

An easy walk around the Port River where the only undulations are walking over the bridges.

Optional dinner afterwards at the British Hotel.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Brownhill Creek Circuit
2024-11-13 17:30 - 20:00
From the carpark we follow Brownhill Creek, to the zigzag track up to Pony Ridge Rd. Along Sheoak Rd to the western edge of Randall reserve, through Mitcham Cemetery and back to Brownhill Creek. Approx 10 km and 300m elevation.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Belair Adventure Loop
2024-11-17
This walk on Kaurna Yartangka explores the outer reaches of Belair National Parks. It links a variety of well-trod and lesser known tracks with climbs to challenge legs. It is a reasonably demanding walk across various terrain including inclines and declines and irregular surfaces.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Cape Jervis to Cobbler Hill
2024-11-17
Commencing at Cape Jervis, the coastal scenery along this region of the Fleurieu Peninsula is spectacular, and is a lovely walk along the first section of the Heysen Trail. The trail begins with a meander along sandy coastal tracks and exposed hillsides, with views of Kangaroo Island and the Southern Ocean over your right shoulder. On occasions, walkers are often rewarded with sightings of seals & dolphins. The trail progressively develops several undulations further along as you approach Blow Hole Beach within the Deep Creek Conservation Park. The walk ends with a much-anticipated hill climb for approx. 2km through native vegetation back to the vehicles.

This walk is intended to serve as both an introduction to the Heysen Trail and a chance to catch up this section of the trail. Rather than using a bus we will car-shuffle between the end and start of the walk.

There will be no support vehicle so please assess your level of fitness prior to joining this walk.

If the forecast maximum for Victor Harbor on Saturday evening is 28 or higher the event will be cancelled.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Grange/ Tennyson
2024-11-20
Event description – An anticlockwise walking loop of surprising contrasts, between the near-inland and the coast. Meal option afterwards.

Time – 1800 hours to 2030 hours; Note: Sunset at 2003 hours, but lengthy twilight.

Please assemble early to ensure a prompt departure by 1800 hours.

Duration – Not more than two and a half hours. If a majority response from participants is that conditions are unfavourable, the event will be shortened.

Distance – Seven kilometres; unsuitable for children or pets.

Suggested items – Hat, sunscreen, water, and sandshoes. Please, no thongs or sandals.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES: Please ensure that you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed of into a “to landfill” garbage bin.

Cleland Loop ( morning)
2024-11-21
From Measdays Lookout, we drop down into the valley and its straight into the climb up Carro. We keep pushing up and across to Lodge Track which takes us on to Wine Shanty. After walking most of Wine Shanty, we will then turn right for the short, sharp climb up Pimpala before looping around for the grind up Gores Road. From there it is a straightforward walk to Lofty Summit and an early lunch. Refreshed, it’s all downhill back to the cars.

This is a 16.5k walk with 3 climbs, on what could be a rather warm day. Not to be taken lightly. The walk will not be cancelled due to heat, but there are numerous options available to shorten the walk, which we can discuss on the day if necessary

.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each wa.5klk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Seacliff Breeze With History
2024-11-27 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for a twilight walk in the gorgeous Seacliff & Brighton areas. The walk takes in historic sites including Kingston House, Dunluce Castle and the Tjilbruke Monument. An easy flat walk with the opportunity to see a magnificent sunset as we stroll back along the beach to the Esplanade Hotel in Seacliff. Optional dinner at Seacliff Hotel.

River Torrens/ Karrawirra Parri
2024-11-28
An evening stroll along the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri within the CBD.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

End Of Year Bash
2024-12-01 12:00 - 16:30 | Main Pavillion, Belair National Park
The Friends End of Year Bash at the Main Pavilion, Belair National Park.
All Friends of the Heysen Trail are invited, with their families.

Get your End to End group and/or walking friends organised and be there.

What to bring: BYO food, drinks, chairs (there are some bench seats in the Pavilion), cutlery, drinkware or anything else you need to share the day with walking friends and your families.

Cost and Booking: There is no charge for this event but you need to book so we can give Belair National Park some idea of numbers.

Park entry fees are waived for attending members and guests.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Mansions & Parklands
2024-12-04
A clockwise walking loop on both sides of a principal road, colloquially known as the Inner Ring Route. Upmarket private real estate to the north. Revegetated public land to the south.

Time – 1800 hours to 2000 hours; Note: Sunset at 2016 hours.

Duration – Not more than two hours. If a majority response from participants is that conditions are unfavourable, the event will be shortened. Please assemble early to ensure a prompt departure by 1800 hours.

Distance – About seven kilometres; unsuitable for children or pets.

Suggested items – Sandshoes, hat, sunscreen, and water. Please, no thongs or sandals.

Meal option afterwards.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES: Please ensure that you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment, before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed into a “to landfill” garbage bin.
